Jammu, April 25, 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party organised a solemn hawan ceremony at its headquarters in Jammu on Friday, April 25, 2025, to pay tribute to the 26 victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, referred to as the “Martyrs of Pahalgam.” The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, in Baisaran Valley, Anantnag district, claimed the lives of 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen, marking one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
Led by J&K BJP President Satpal Sharma, the hawan was a gesture of respect for the sacrifices of those killed, including Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and pony guide Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who died heroically while attempting to save tourists. Sharma, addressing party workers and attendees, condemned the attack as a “cowardly act orchestrated at Pakistan’s behest” and reiterated the party’s resolve to support the Central Government’s strong countermeasures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and diplomatic actions against Pakistan. “This hawan is to honor the brave souls lost. Our soldiers and civilians will be avenged,” Sharma stated, noting that a similar tribute ceremony was held in Kashmir the previous day.
The ceremony saw BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma and senior leader Ashok Koul, offering floral tributes and observing a two-minute silence in memory of the victims. Participants lit candles and prayed for peace, denouncing the brutality of the attack, which was claimed by The Resistance Front. The event underscored the BJP’s call for unity against terrorism, with Koul emphasizing the resilience of Jammu and Kashmir’s people and the party’s commitment to ensuring justice and security.
The hawan followed widespread protests across the Kashmir Valley, where markets shut down and demonstrations condemned the civilian killings. The BJP’s tribute aligned with national sentiments, as leaders across parties, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have vowed to pursue and punish the perpetrators. The ceremony also highlighted the party’s ongoing efforts to support affected families, with the J&K government announcing Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for each deceased victim’s family.
As Jammu and Kashmir grapples with the aftermath of the attack, the BJP’s hawan served as a poignant reminder of the region’s collective grief and determination to combat terrorism, reinforcing the call for peace and solidarity.
